Mahadayi River Dispute: Karnataka bribed eyewitnesses, says Goa minister

Panaji (Goa) [India], Jan 16 (ANI): Goa Water Minister Vinod Palyekar on Tuesday alleged that witnesses were paid by the Karnataka government in connection with the Mahadayi River Dispute.

"Karnataka government has given all their witnesses Rs 50,000 per day to stand for them in court. We have never given even a single rupee to our witnesses," Palyekar told ANI.

He revealed that he has seen officials of the Karnataka government violating conditions related to the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project site at Kanakumbi in Belagavi.

"It was an order of Supreme Court that no work will be done there. However, the Karnataka government committed violations there. We are the eye witness of that incident and have photographic evidence, which we will present in court," said Palyekar.

Palyekar also appealed to the Karnataka government to refrain from using offensive language against Goa.

The Kalasa-Banduri Nala diversion project is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI